When a strange swarm invades my old oak: a surprising and worrying discovery!😱
This morning, while I was gardening peacefully under a clear August sky, my attention was caught by a strange mass moving on the trunk of my old oak. 😱
It was around 10:35, and I was trimming a few branches when I noticed this unusual swarm. At first, I didn’t understand what it was. Curious, I stepped closer, squinting to see better. Dozens, maybe hundreds, were moving actively on the bark. My heart skipped a beat.
I had never seen anything like this in my garden before. What could it be? 😱
When I later discovered what it was, I was shocked. Their number, their agility – all of it frightened me. Deep down, I knew I had to watch them carefully and find a way to manage them properly to protect my plants.
👉For more, read the article in the first comment 👇👇👇👇.
After a moment of confusion, I decided to look for answers. I took out my phone and searched for clues online. I quickly discovered that these were spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper species.
These insects, originally from Asia, are known for their distinctive appearance, with black and red marbled wings.
I learned that they can damage trees and plants by feeding on their sap, which worried me about my garden.
They are not dangerous to humans: no bites or diseases to worry about. However, their sticky honeydew can attract other pests and make surfaces sticky and unpleasant.
A little unsettled, I decided to monitor the situation closely. I might even contact a local expert for advice on managing these invaders.
For now, I continue gardening with a more watchful eye, caught between fascination and caution. This unexpected encounter reminded me how much surprise nature can hold, even in a familiar corner like my garden!
